Floods, hurricanes, over flowing rivers --- these are just some of the natural disasters that may bring about water damage into our homes. These and some unavoidable circumstances in the domestic front such as leaking pipes, malfunctioning appliances, or broken roofs, make the house susceptible to water damage.

It may be easy for some to dismiss water disasters as simply petty inconveniences that bother our day to day living, but the reality is, water damage can do much harm not only to our property but also to our health. The proper steps to take in battling the health hazards caused by water damage are therefore a primary consideration as well, in the aftermath of a water disaster.

The presence of mold is the most evident health hazard that water damage leaves. It is also a very pressing concern as mold multiplies without difficulty, thriving most in a damp environment and attaches itself easily to common household materials such as wood, cement and vinyl tiles, carpets, or upholstery. Molds can pose a serious health hazard as a variety of allergenic substances and odorous chemicals may be produced from its mere existence. When multiplied and spread indoors, high levels of mold may result in different health problems ranging from the common allergic reactions including nasal congestion, eye irritation, shortness of breath, and wheezing, to the more severe effects such as asthma attacks, infections, and toxic reactions.

Infants and children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with respiratory diseases and allergies, are most vulnerable to the hazardous effects of mold.

Before one even tries to treat mold outbreak, it is vital to determine beforehand what has caused the presence of mold in the first place. It could be an unnoticed leak, a broken window frame, basement flooding, or water seeping through the walls. Whatever it is, have it fixed straight away to eliminate the source of mold once and for all. Next, take a closer look at the affected area to assess the extent of the damage. It is recommended that one hire a mold remediation company or serviceman to contain the mold. This would also depend on the size of the area affected by mold.

If you feel confident enough to battle this health hazard yourself, be sure to exercise safety precautions. Wearing protective clothing is a must. Protective eyewear and gloves, headgear, disposable full body clothing, boots, and a respirator with an N-95 filter, are the most basic defensive gear you can use.

Surfaces with mold can be sanitized using fungus-killing household cleaners or anti-microbial solutions. Mold must be dormant for it to be removed. Attempting to eliminate active mold will only result in stains that may be difficult to remove afterwards. Active mold looks fuzzy and has a stale odor, while dormant mold is dry and powdery. Aside from removing the actual mold substance, you also need to get rid of the mold odor, and this can be done easily enough with the use of baking powder or charcoal.

Battling the health hazards caused by water damage, in this case the existence of mold, can be a daunting yet not an impossible task. Given the right materials, attitude, and safety guidelines, molds can be eradicated and kept away for good.